Page 16

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“Welcome! Welcome!”

“Come inside!”

Staring at the two gods who were disguised as Noh actors, Koichi had to fight the urge to repeat those words in a mocking tone and manner, and then add his own twist. Welcome! Welcome! Come inside! We plan to eat you. Steal your soul. Do all manner of awful things to you... and you’re too stupid to know better.

Why couldn’t they ever tell the truth? Really. It would make his job so much easier if, just once, evil could look evil.

Well, sometimes it did. But that was always the lesser evil.

The big evil...

It looked like friends and came dressed in pretty things that you usually coveted. Trappings of power. Fancy clothes. And bearing candy.

Like these soul-sucking twins.

Horrible, dangerous evil was always alluring and shiny. That was what made it so incredibly lethal. No one saw the danger until it was too late. Until it surrounded you like an ocean and pulled you under until you drowned.

Koichi let out a long, tired breath. Can’t I go one day without walking into a monster? Really, is one day too much to ask?

With a sickeningly sweet smile full of dyed-black teeth that belied her wicked heart, Mizuki revealed herself beside her beautiful brother.

Not that anyone could see his beauty. At the moment, Tsukiya hid his perfect face behind a white Noh mask that held a blank expression. But while the mask was bland, his long white silk kimono was elaborately embroidered in blood red. It even looked like drops of blood in places. In the center of the kimono rested a second mask that bore an angry expression. It was attached to the mask on his face by a gold stick he held in one hand. Both had red ribbons streaming from their temples that could be used to secure the masks to his face.

Mizuki wore the same white kimono, but unlike her brother, she didn’t hide her beauty behind a mask. She didn’t want a single devilish pucker or evil grimace to go unseen. Indeed, she wanted everyone to witness her burning hatred for them and for the human world she disdained. Her long black hair flowed over her shoulders all the way to the ground and trailed behind her like a train across the floor. She was insidiously beautiful. All the better to lure innocent mortals who were blinded by her beauty to their dooms.

Tsukiya rose and slowly approached them. He glanced at Masaru, then Keiko, but it was Koichi who caught his full attention. The god lowered his mask to reveal his pale, ethereally beautiful features. “Well, well...”

“What do we have here?” Mizuki asked, interrupting her brother’s words.

The twins were notorious for finishing each other’s sentences.

Masaru elbowed him. “Nervous, Koichi?”

“Shut it,” he snapped under his breath because he definitely was, and he didn’t want anyone to know. Besides, the last thing they needed was to draw unwanted attention. The twins were as likely to kill them as they were to help.

Honestly, he wasn’t a big fan of their current survival odds. Any more than he was a fan of the twins, who were even more unpredictable than humans. They were creatures of impulse.

One second, they loved you. The next, you were dead.

Koichi leaned in closer to Masaru. “Know any good tricks? Now would be an awesome time to flick those tails of yours and use them.”

“That would get us killed for sure.”

Of course it would. “Never mind.” Why had he ever thought they could sneak past the psycho twins?

Koichi had forgotten to factor in his abysmal luck, which would never level normal odds for success. Whatever could go wrong was going to go wrong...

And bring its friends. All of whom would wield shovels at his head and daggers at his gut.

He must have taken one too many hits from his last demon battle to have forgotten that.

Worse? If this plan failed, it would be up to Masaru to save them. As if Masaru would ever save anyone other than himself.

We’re in so much trouble...

He should just surrender now and hope they killed him quickly.

Masaru smiled as if he could hear his thoughts. Koichi always hated whenever he did that. It never boded well.

In fact, his gut clenched.

“I’ve got this,” Masaru said under his breath. “Don’t worry.”

Don’t worry . Seriously? But then what choice did he have, other than to trust a fox who wasn’t known to be trustworthy?

Against his better judgment and all sanity and self-preservation, he gave Masaru an affirmative nod. While he had no idea what the kitsune planned, he wanted to let him know he would have his full support.

As idiotic and suicidal as that was.

Just don’t hit my face. Kill me quickly. Please kill me quickly . He had no idea what Masaru intended or who the kitsune might kill.

Unaware of their exchange, Tsukiya cocked his head. “Well... if it isn’t our dear old friend Koichi.”

Mizuki pursed her lips. “He looks much better than the last time we saw him, Brother. I do believe he might actually be sober.”

Tsukiya nodded in agreement. “Smells better too.” He twisted the red ribbon on his mask around his finger as he eyed Koichi. With a wave of his hand, he indicated Keiko and Masaru. “It seems failure travels in a group, Sister.”

“I believe so. Or perhaps my eyes deceive me?”

He shook his head, which was extremely exaggerated, given his ornate mask. “Nay. Rather, I think our favorite samurai has befriended two failed kitsunes. The useless Keiko and treasonous Masaru.” He pulled the side of the mask back so that only Mizuki could see his expression. “What fun, eh?”

“What fun indeed.”

Koichi ground his teeth at their endless digs. They so enjoyed mocking others. Each word was designed to be a dagger, making slashing wounds through their victims’ jugulars. It was what gave them their greatest—and probably only—joy. Tearing everyone down. No matter how great someone’s reputation was, the twins could always find fault. Always find a way to make someone feel unworthy and small.

At least that was what they thought.

He wasn’t so easily rattled. Really, he pitied the childhood they must have known if this was all they’d been taught. Mockery. Shame.

Humility.

Like Ryuichi...

Only his charge had never allowed it to steal his soul. Never allowed such horrors to make him mean.

That was why they had to save him—before life and cruelty turned him into these pitiful creatures. For that was the worst crime of all. To surrender one’s soul to bitterness and hatred.

Koichi softened his grip on his charge, more determined than ever to reunite the boy with the part of him that gave him his compassion. “We’re just passing through. If you’ll excuse us...” He started forward.

Tsukiya cut him off. Tilting his head with that expressionless mask concealing his mood, he swept out his arm, leaving his sleeve to pool around his feet. “Passing through? Why, good Koichi, one does not simply pass through our realm. You know this. There are protocols and traditions to be followed.”

Here we go...

Mizuki stepped forward and stiffened noticeably. “Do you think yourself better than us ?”

“Of course not, my lord and lady. I merely?—”

“Silence.” Tsukiya raised his hand toward the heavens, then flipped the stick to cover his face with the mask at the opposite end—the face of an angry oni that changed, by magic, into one of annoyance. “I presume you brought tribute.” He stepped closer so that Koichi could see that he meant the bag with Ryuichi in it. “After all?—”

“It’s only fair that you pay a toll to travel our lands,” his sister finished.

Before he could speak, Masaru let out a rude snort. “You mean the Ryukage’s lands.”

That rolled over the gods like an ice storm.

A low hiss came out, making the oni mask even more ominous; it turned a bright crimson to match the embroidered blood on the kimonos.

“How dare you!” Mizuki snarled. “These are our lands, as they?—”

Tsukiya nodded in agreement with his sister. “Have always been. We created this realm. It is ours by right.”

Mizuki stepped toward Masaru. “Ryukage may play at being a god, but we were conceived and born as such! He’s an insect. A nobody. Meaningless, little, worthless?—”

“I believe the point has been made, Sister.” Tsukiya pulled her back.

“Don’t touch me.” Mizuki stepped back from her brother and squared off.

Lowering his mask, he made ready to battle her.

Until they remembered there was bigger sport to be had.

Tsukiya cleared his throat and returned to the expressionless white mask as he turned to face them. “This is our world. The Ryukage merely plays in it because we allow him to.”

Keiko tsked. “But he’s no friend of yours. Perhaps we could persuade you to help us purge him from this land.”

Tsukiya’s masks switched back and forth between the red oni and white, vacant expression. “No. I don’t think so. Watching him and his tantrums is too much fun.”

“So fun.” Mizuki smiled.

He flipped back to his oni face. “Hilarious, even.” He came closer to them. “Watching mortal and yōkai alike panic in fear of his antics brings us endless pleasure.”

“Endless.” Mizuki clapped her hands.

Tsukiya paused at his sister’s comment. He lowered his mask to glare at her. “That’s what I said.”

“So much pleasure.” Mizuki repeated to spite him.

Tsukiya curled his lip. “Brainless idiot.” He rolled his eyes, then returned his mask to his face before he refocused his attention on the bag Koichi carried. “What’s. In. The. Bag?”

Cringing at the lyrical question, Koichi was grateful Ryuichi wasn’t moving or speaking while they interacted with the gods. “Nothing.”

“Then give it over. We demand it.”

His panic tripled. How could he get out of this without the gods discovering who and what they carried? For once, he had nothing. Not one single thought.

But should they discover Ryukage’s heir... it was over for all of them.

Eyes wide with alarm, Masaru rushed forward and pointed at the door. “Ryukage’s here. Look behind you. Watch out!”

Gasping, the twins turned around.

As they did so, Masaru shoved Koichi and his bundle outside the shrine while he and Keiko used their powers to make a smoke screen to cover their retreat.

Stunned, Koichi ran, even though he wasn’t sure where he was going. He just wanted to put distance between him and the psycho twins. It seemed like the sanest and safest thing to do.

After a few moments, Keiko and Masaru caught up to him.

But they were far from safe. He could feel the twins’ inari guards chasing after them.

Disgusted, he glared at Masaru. “‘Look behind you’? Are you an idiot? Was that really the best thing you could come up with?”

“It worked, didn’t it? We got out of there. Besides, I didn’t see you coming up with anything better, oh great stutterer-rer-rer-rerr.”

“Stop it! Both of you. Keep running.” Keiko tripped an inari who almost caught them.

Koichi stumbled as Ryuichi began to struggle again and fight for release.

That was it! Clearing his throat, he shoved the boy into Masaru’s arms.

“Hey!” Masaru snapped in protest of holding their squirming charge.

“Hey, nothing. I’m the mortal one here. You’re the kami who’s supposed to have all the cosmic powers. It’s your turn to carry the brat.”

Keiko gaped at him. “Don’t be ridiculous. Remember what happened the last time you let him watch our young charge?”

Oh yeah. That was what got them into this.

Cursing, he took Ryuichi back. “I hate you.”

“Feeling’s mutual.” Masaru used his sling bow to unleash arrows at the inari chasing them.

“Where are we going anyway?” Koichi asked.

Keiko pointed with her chin. “That direction.”

Masaru gave him a droll stare. “You know... the one we’re headed in.”

Koichi frowned as he tried to see where it led. “Where’s it go?”

Keiko gave him a harsh stare. “Away from our enemies. Right now that’s all that matters.”

She had a point.

So, without arguing, he ran toward it, hoping it didn’t take them into more danger.

More enemies.

But with their luck, he wasn’t hedging those bets.

His heart pounding, he rushed through the mindless, moaning crowds of petitioners. This direction seemed to be a little easier. The only things they had to avoid were the barriers and those chasing them.

Which seemed to be more than a few pesky inari and yōkai. But in this crowd, it was all so confusing.

If they could just make it into the official Kage-tochi, they’d be “safe.” Laughable, really, when one considered those lands were ruled by the Ryukage and his minions. So, “safe” was the last thing they’d be if they were found, but...

They’d be saf er than they currently were.

Which was getting more questionable by the heartbeat as they were surrounded by mindless supplicants.

“How much farther?”

Masaru snorted. “What? Do you think there’s a line that says, ‘Welcome to Kage-tochi’?”

He really wanted to slap that fox, and he really wished Ryuichi would stop fighting him.

C’mon, you can make it.

Then they would only have to deal with the Ryukage.

And his armies.

Some generals.

Not to mention reunite Ryuichi with his shadow.

Then escape.

In one piece... alive.

Okay, so things weren’t exactly stacked in their favor. In fact, he should probably wager against their success.

Still... They were alive, against all odds. Masaru and Keiko had their own powers, and he himself was unrivaled with a sword.

You can’t reach your sword while you’re carrying the squirmy little brat.

A tedious detail, granted, and one he didn’t want to think about. But...

Who am I fooling?

They were dead. This was so stupid. Why were they even trying? Only an absolute moron would be involved in any of this!

If he lost the kitsunes, he could never get back home. Only those like Masaru could hop between the realms. Those who’d sold themselves and had dubious alliances.

Or those like Keiko who were on special missions.

I could be trapped here for eternity.

Mortals trapped in these lands never fared well. They were more tortured than ghosts in the human realm.

Panic began to consume him.

Keiko slowed and took Masaru by the arm. “Koichi?”

He couldn’t really hear her past the droning in his ears. All he could think about was the doom that awaited them.

Why am I here?

“Koichi!” Masaru slapped him. Hard.

“Hey!” He shoved the irritable yōkai back. “What are you doing?”

Masaru eyed him suspiciously. “We’d lost you for a minute.”

Keiko let out a deep breath. “Your mind had wandered into the shadows, and they were wreaking havoc with you. I could see it in your eyes.”

Ryuichi laughed from inside the bag.

That brought him back to reality even faster than Masaru’s slap.

Koichi burned as he suddenly understood what had caused his thoughts to shift. What had taken control of him. “You little snipe. How dare you play with my head.”

“Let me go. Or I’ll make it worse.”

Masaru slapped at the bag. “Not until we fix my mistake.”

Ryuichi began struggling so wildly that he freed his head from the sack. “You already fixed it. This is how I should be.”

Masaru snorted rudely. “Everyone needs balance, little man. You’re missing yours.”

He scoffed at him. “Where’s yours? You’re all evil. Everyone knows that.”

Koichi watched as Masaru flinched.

“That’s the rub, isn’t it? I lost mine too.” Masaru covered Ryuichi’s head, then met Keiko’s gaze. “I think we’re here.”

She nodded. “I think you’re right.” Removing her helmet, she sniffed the air. “Everything is still. Quiet.”

And it was.

They’d crossed over to Ryukage’s domain.

* * *

Here, in kage-tenchi, time blurred together, without day or night. There was no heat. No cold. Only the ever-present and all-consuming darkness.

It felt suffocating. Terrifying.

All they could hear was the beating of their own hearts. Koichi couldn’t even feel the boy’s body heat through the sack now. It was as if something drank it up.

He felt eyes on him.

It felt as if they were touching him somehow.

Glancing at his skin, he was relieved to find it bare except for nervous sweat and goose bumps.

“Bet if I said boo you’d jump ten feet.”

Unamused by that comment, he slid his gaze to Masaru. “Bet if you said boo I’d gut you where you stand.”

“Why am I always separating you two?” Keiko stepped between them, then gestured forward. “And how could you miss the most important part?”

It took Koichi a second to realize what she meant.

There, in the darkness, he could just make out a twisted version of Hanzō’s Mahō-jō. The castle was a sick mockery of all the brave students and teachers who’d dedicated their lives to keeping evil creatures like the Ryukage at bay.

In this realm, it rose up in the distance like a phantom against the black background, sinister and spooky. A chilling warning to anyone who saw it.

Are you kidding me?

In some ways, it was virtually indistinguishable. The mazelike road leading to it that twisted and turned in order to confuse visitors, with bricks of terrified faces imprinted into the stones.

There were even black dragons perched atop it...

Only those dragons paid them no heed.

As above, so below.

How could he have forgotten that? It made sense the Ryukage’s home would look so much like Hanzō’s. They were opposites.

Hanzō above.

Ryukage below.

Koichi took a step forward, but Masaru stopped him. “You can’t walk up the drive. These stones don’t test your purity. They test your unfailing loyalty to the Ryukage.”

Oof! Good to know.

Since he was an enemy to the Ryukage, that left him out.

“So how do we cross?” Koichi asked.

With a sly grin, Masaru looked up at the harsh black stonework of the walls. “So... how are your climbing skills, mortal?”

Was he serious?

Or delirious?

Either way, he wasn’t on board with this.

Rolling his eyes in aggravation, Koichi glanced toward the angry black spikes that rose up along the roof of the sinister castle like the spine of a crouching beast. At least the Ryukage was devoted to his villain theme.

Way to commit...

But truthfully, that was good for them. If the Shadow Lord hadn’t so earnestly embraced his evil ways, there would be no way to climb up.

He cast a wary glare toward the bane of his current existence. “My skills are infinitely better when I’m not carrying an extra struggling body... and am less sober.”

Though, to be honest, Ryuichi had become remarkably still and quiet since they crossed over.

Was he dead?

Masaru transformed into a majestic fox, then effortlessly jumped from spike to spike to climb up. “Sucks to be you.”

Before he could return that with an insult, Keiko transformed into her fox body. “Hurry, Koichi. There’s no time to waste.” She darted up, after Masaru.

He cursed under his breath, wanting to skin them both. How easy they made it look with their powers and abilities. There was no way he could possibly climb and carry the kid. He might be strong, but that was impossible. For a human.

Irritated, he set his little imp on the ground and uncovered him.

Ryuichi came out of the bag like a scalded tiger. The brat actually got up and tried to run.

Koichi quickly tackled him to the ground. “Stop it! Behave.”

Grimacing, Ryuichi stopped struggling and held his hands out for Koichi to free them. “Finally. That was awful! Putting me in that sack like some sort of?—”

Koichi shoved a piece of cloth into his mouth to cut off his words. “I recommend you hold that thought and climb.” He spat on his hands and looked for a place where he could grip the stone. He set Ryuichi on the wall first, then lifted himself up and began climbing behind the kid. Grumbling, Ryuichi threw the gag at him, but thankfully he kept going.

Masaru groaned out loud. “You’re too slow. Can you put a move on?”

Koichi snorted as Ryuichi slipped and fell on top of him. The two of them slammed into the ground. They’d only made it about ten feet up. Which was good, in that it didn’t kill them or break anything.

Bad, because it hurt. Especially with Ryuichi elbowing him to get off his pain-filled body.

Awesome. His skills had seriously eroded, and Ryuichi had none at all.

“Why are you complaining, kid? I cushioned you.”

Ryuichi responded with a sneer.

Sitting up, Koichi shouted at Masaru. “You’re welcome to come down here and help with the kid.” After all, he’d never been a particularly good climber on his best days. And that was drunk.

Sober...

He was afraid of heights and hated doing this.

Ryuichi stomped the ground. “I can’t climb that wall.”

They all stared at Ryuichi.

“I don’t know how to climb.”

Koichi groaned. He knew the answer before he asked, but he was feeling rather futile at the moment and wanted a little corroboration that they were as stupid as he was. “Anyone think to bring a rope?”

At this point, he might use it to hang himself.

Masaru snorted. “As I said earlier, I’m the brains, and you’re the brawn, Koichi. We have a good system. It would be terrible to mess it up.”

Brains that couldn’t think ahead to get a rope...

He kept that thought to himself, as this wasn’t the time to start a fight. “What about you, Keiko?”

She licked her paw daintily. “It’s inelegant. Besides, one of you might look up my kimono.”

Koichi let out a disgusted sigh. Kitsune. If only he could trade one of them for an oni or something more useful... like a head injury.

Of course, the oni would probably eat the kid, and then where would they be?

Well, only slightly worse off than they currently were. That was the saddest part of all.

Yeah, his life really stank.

No sooner had that thought gone through his head than he noticed something...

The shadows were moving.

Coming closer. Manifesting weapons and growling.

“Hey, Masaru...”

“I see it.”

“You planning on doing something, or just taking notes?”

Masaru vanished.

Koichi was aghast. “Well, that’s just fine and dandy.” He passed an irritated smirk at Keiko as she skittered back toward the ground where they waited.

What had he expected? Masaru to stand and fight? When had Masaru ever been reliable?

Ryuichi manifested a sword out of the shadows. “I’ve got this. Stand aside. I can protect you.”

Great time for the dark yōkai to abandon them, and for Ryuichi to suddenly become noble again. All the kid could do was die against a horde of evil. “You’re not trained to battle them.”

Those words had barely left his lips before Ryuichi caught the first shadow and flung it back. The next one he actually grabbed and held on to.

Koichi’s jaw went slack as he turned toward Keiko. “Did you know he had those powers?”

She shook her fox head.

Ryuichi stood in the center of the shadows as they drew up short, now respectful of their prince.

Until something came out of the dark to tackle the boy. Koichi barely had time to register the attack as Ryuichi was tumbled several feet away from him.

He rushed after the two of them, trying to figure out what had happened. Who had grabbed the kid.

Whatever it was, it allowed the shadows to rejoin the fray. They rushed in to attack him and his companion.

“Keiko?”

“I don’t know what to do either.” She stood by helplessly.

Koichi closed his eyes, trying to use what little magic he still had from his training, but it failed him miserably. It’d been too many years and too many failures.

Not even his sword wanted to absorb the shadows now.

C’mon. You can’t fail this kid.

He’s depending on you . And if he didn’t do something fast, Ryuichi would be killed.

But that was easier said than done. He felt so alone. All he had on his side was a young kitsune and an untrained child.

I’m too old for this . Even his bones ached.

“Sensei!”

That one word tore through him like a dagger. It reminded him of the man he’d once been and the students he’d sworn to defend. Students like Ryuichi. Like it or not, he was a samurai.

More than that, he was a sensei.

Determination choked him as he began to fight what he knew was a hopeless battle.

“I’m here, runt. I’ll never leave you.”

Ryuichi heard those heartfelt words and was strengthened by them. He felt the shadows trying to take hold of him. Possess him. It ached in ways he wouldn’t have thought possible. “How do I fight them?”

“The light. It controls them and holds them back.” Keiko had transformed into her human form to battle them. “It will weaken them too. Think of what brightens your heart. Don’t let them inside you or your thoughts.”

“What warms you, kid?” Koichi asked.

Ryuichi tried to think. He had so few things in his life that made him happy.

But there was one...

Closing his eyes, he thought of his friends. Those who had fought with him, even when they had no reason to.

His broken brothers of the Kai-dan, and Kato, Takara, Pim, Mikito... even Toshi.

And Masaru.

He had nothing else. They were the only family he’d ever known. His mind whispered that they weren’t worthy. That they had betrayed their oaths and honor.

This time he didn’t listen. For all their faults, they were family. And he would fight for his family.

“Get off me!” He shoved at the shadow beast that was trying to seize him. It had the worst breath he’d ever smelled. Teeth that were sharper than a tengu’s. Eyes so white they glowed.

“What are you?” he asked.

Without answering, it hissed and again tried to seize him.

Koichi grabbed the creature by its neck and yanked it back. “Let him go!”

“No!” it cried. “I must have him. I must.”

“The only thing you must have is a bath. Preferably sooner rather than later. Seriously... do you melt in water?” Koichi choked on the stench.

Ryuichi rolled his eyes at his teacher’s humor. “If he does, please toss him in some.”

Keiko grabbed Ryuichi by the arm and pulled him free. She ran with him, away from the creature.

“Hey!” Koichi called. “You forgot something... me!”

“You’re doing well. Keep up the good work.”

The last thing Ryuichi heard was Koichi saying, “I hate you.”

As they rounded the corner, Ryuichi skidded to a stop. So did Keiko. For there in the darkness was the last thing he’d expected to see.

“Takara?”

She turned to face them. Relief spread across her face as soon as she saw him. “Ryuichi?”

And she wasn’t alone. Every single friend he’d thought about was with her. How could this be? Had his thoughts manifested them?

The only one missing was Masaru.

Completely flabbergasted, he turned to Keiko. “How can they be here?”

“I have no idea.”

“You did it.” Masaru came out of the shadows nearest him. “It’s your powers, kid. You summoned their shadows here.” He glanced to where Koichi was still fighting. “Not sure I’d tell that to Koichi though.”

Ryuichi scowled. “I don’t understand.”

Keiko covered her mouth with her hand. “What have we done?”

“We broke the seal on this realm.” Masaru handed her a medallion. “The big guy knows that he’s here, and he wants his son. I’ll distract Ryukage, but you have to reunite Ryuichi’s soul before Ryukage finds him and gets loose.”

“What if I can’t?”

Masaru smirked. “Ryukage wins. That would be bad.”

Looking around with a confused scowl, Mikito stepped forward. “How did we get here?”

Toshi shook his head. “The important question is how do we get home?”

Pointing past them, Kato widened his eyes. “You’re both wrong. The question is, what are those ? And how do we fight them?”

Large, hairless dogs with four heads were running toward them. They had beaks like birds, six legs, and talons for feet. As large as horses, they looked absolutely terrifying. The last thing Ryuichi wanted was to find out how strong they were. Or how hard they bit. Or hit.

“Run!” Keiko shoved him toward Takara.

He had no idea which way to go, other than away from those weird things. Since the stones would test loyalty to his father, he knew that should be avoided at all costs too.

But which way into the darkness would lead him toward the light?

Think, Ryuichi, think!

Really, he couldn’t. His adrenaline was pumping too fast, and he was panicking like crazy. He couldn’t catch his breath.

Absolute terror set in with a vicious tenacity that drove out all reason.

Completely locked down by it all, he covered his head with his arms and sank to the ground, where he let out a shriek so loud that it reverberated and echoed. His throat stung from the ferocity. With that one cry, he released years of frustration and heartbreak. Every bit of his fear.

Of his anger.

“Yamero! Yamero! Yamero!”